Shop, give and save at J. Jill

Published
6:30 am CST, Wednesday, March 2, 2005

Wondering what J. Jill has in store for spring? Stop by the Galleria or River Oaks store Thursday for a preview. From 4 to 8 p.m., shoppers can take advantage of refreshments and a 10 percent discount on all purchases. J. Jill will donate a portion of the day's sales to the J. Jill Compassion Fund, which supports organizations including the Women's Home in Houston.

Thinking about doing a little spring cleaning? Start with your closet, please, and consider donating a suit to Foley'sDress for Success clothing drive. Knowing that the right outfit can go a long way, Dress for Success takes gently used suits and gives them to low-income women so they can enter the workforce with confidence.

When you drop off a suit in the Ladies Suit Department of any Foley's, the store will give you 20 percent off the purchase of any new suit. Foley's is accepting suits through March 12, and there's a special need for suits size 14 and higher.

There's no denying that Rice Village is a shopper's dream. National chains exist comfortably alongside independent boutiques, and everything from clothing and pottery to art and shoes can be found.

Within this eclectic mix is Variety Fair 5 & 10. Cooking utensils, stationery, costume jewelry, toys and more are jam-packed into this throwback store, which has been open since 1948. On a recent trip I found inexpensive party supplies for Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day, toys for kids of all ages and a book of paper dolls featuring George, Laura, Barbara and Jenna Bush.

With its friendly staff and always-changing stock, Variety Fair 5 & 10 is the perfect way to travel back in time and save a little money, too.

Target has Isaac Mizrahi, H&M has Karl Lagerfeld and now, JCPenney has staked its claim on Nicole Miller. With more and more high-end designers hooking up with mid-priced department stores, it's no surprise that Miller, known for her classic and elegant designs, is making her appearance at JCPenney.

The "nicole" by Nicole Miller collection, in stores now, is a dressy-casual line that can take a woman from work to an evening out. Expect to see lots of little details and flirty touches. City coats, jackets, dresses and more are part of the collection, which ranges from $26 to $100.

Instead of running errands on Saturday, head downtown to the newly opened Market Square Market. Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the park located at Travis and Preston streets is transformed into an open-air shopping experience with vendors selling everything from vintage clothing and jewelry and soaps and candles to handbags, home accessories and artwork. Fresh food and plants will also be for sale in the future.

Impress your friends with this little bit of Houston history while you're there: From 1840 to 1929, Houstonians gathered at the same park to shop for groceries, baked goods and meats at the public market.

It's that time of year when thoughts turn to rhinestones, leather and denim thanks to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. From the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest Feb. 24-26 to the final night of RodeoHouston on March 20, there will be plenty of chances to cowgirl up.

But let's face it. You're a fashionable woman who wouldn't be caught wearing cow print. So, what's the occasional cowgirl to do? Instead of spending too much money on a leather fringe vest, go with basics you already own and invest in accessories that will carry you not only through rodeo but into spring.

"Everybody has a great pair of jeans in their closet, so why not simply add a white shirt? With the right accessories, that combination can go to the rodeo and anywhere else," says Roz Pactor, fashion director for Foley's.

I found Swarovski-studded "Cowgirl Chic" tanks and T-shirts for $50 at Elizabeth's Boutique in Sugar Land. Pair jeans or a denim miniskirt with one of the shirts, which is a fun way to wear Texas glam year round.

Belts are back and rodeo offers the perfect opportunity to buy one that will add sparkle and zing to your wardrobe. I found a dazzling black leather belt, studded with rhinestones and silver beading, for $120, also at Elizabeth's Boutique.

Charming Charlie carries a sterling silver conch belt with turquoise and coral accents for $75. While turquoise has always had a certain Western feel, this year it's not just for rodeo.

"We will see all kinds of turquoise on different chains and with multiple strands this season," Pactor says.

A stunning two-strand onyx-and-turquoise necklace with matching earrings also caught my eye at Charming Charlie. It's a steal at $95 for the set. Another option: The store's jewelry makers can custom-make a necklace in their workshop.

If you're serious about boots and plan on wearing them for more than just a night or two, then investing in a handcrafted pair from some place like Palace Boot Shop is the best way to go.

Texas Junk Co. has a selection of inexpensive, pre-worn boots for the once-a-year boot wearer. They start at just $35, and the Texas Junk Co. experience itself will help put you in the proper cowgirl mood.